200 Easements Strong: A Landmark Year for the Land Conservancy of Adams County

Stepping into the role of Conservation Director at such a pivotal time for the Land Conservancy of Adams Count (LCAC) has been an immense pleasure, marked by successes from the very start of this journey. This landmark 30th anniversary year concluded with the organization’s 199th and 200th easements—both of which former director Sarah Kipp was able to celebrate with us before her move to the West Coast. I am truly privileged to take on this role and to fulfill my dream of making a meaningful difference for the natural world, right here in our own backyards.

The first easement of 2025 began with siblings JC and Jody Aspers legacy farm, being passed down through three generations. This 134-acre property in northern Adams County stretches across Huntington and Tyron Townships. JC and Jody aptly named this property “4J Farm”, a reflection of the names of the immediate family and the strong bond of a multi-generational operation. With its cropland, forest, Bermudian Creek, and long family ties, this property reflects the heart of our land-preservation work.

In the spring of 2025, John Millar, Jr. preserved 107 acres in Straban Township.  This property adjoins a farm already preserved by the County’s Agland Preservation Program. Forty-six of its 107 acres are used as cropland, the remaining acres include a mix of forestland, meadows, and riparian areas which boarder a meandering ¾ mile section of Swift Run. This easement was funded with generous support from Straban Township, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and LCAC.

The Land Conservancy also worked with the Waybright family to preserve 59 acres in two parcels across Mason Dixon Road:  a 44-acre tract by Jim and Shirley Waybright, and a 15-acre tract by their son Brad and his wife, Kim. Located near other preserved farms, the property offers open-field views of the South Mountain ridgeline and borders the growing Links of Gettysburg community. The family hopes to protect two additional parcels in the coming year, including additional land owned by Jim and Shirley and by their son Chris and his wife, Jenna.

In December, LCAC proudly preserved 75 acres in Cumberland Township along Belmont Road. This beautiful farm marks the Conservancy’s first Amish family farm and was protected through a partnership of NRCS funding, generous LCAC donors, and the American Endowment Foundation. We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with our Amish neighbors and hope this opens the door to preserving more locally owned family farming operations across our community.

The final easement of our milestone 30th year carried a special distinction as it became the Land Conservancy’s 200th easement. This meaningful achievement was made even more memorable through a generous donated easement from founding member Dean Shultz and his wife, Judy. Their beautiful 81-acre property in Mount Joy Township is now protected forever.

What a fantastic way to close out our 30th anniversary year! Thank you to all the landowners who have entrusted us with their conservation easements. I’m excited to continue this important work and to help preserve many more special places in the years ahead. I’m especially encouraged by the promising opportunities already on the horizon for 2026 and beyond.

I also want to sincerely thank everyone who makes this organization so exceptional. As I grow into my new role, I am continually grateful for such a supportive, dedicated group of people. It truly is a privilege to be part of this work with all of you.

Morgan Huckaby is the Conservation Director of the Land Conservancy.  In the 30 years since its founding in 1995, the organization has worked with local landowners to preserve more than 13,980 acres in the county through 200 separate easements. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a land trust such as the Land Conservancy protecting ecological, scenic, wildlife, or agricultural resources by permanently limiting subdivision, development, and incompatible activities.  The Land Conservancy of Adams County is a fully accredited, member-supported nonprofit land trust that works to preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County. For more information about the Land Conservancy, visit PreserveAdams.org.